According to police sources, two men armed with pistols were believed to be the intended targets of a shooting incident involving a scooter in the Bronx.
On Friday night, shortly after 9:30 PM, a gunman discharged over a dozen rounds outside 2540 Marion Avenue, close to Fordham University. A 17-year-old sustained a gunshot wound in his left thigh, while a 21-year-old was hit in his right knee, and a 28-year-old was shot in the back of his head.
The shooting victims were reportedly uncooperative, prompting police to seek video surveillance footage from the scene.
Residents nearby were unsettled. “The kids heard [the shots]—they didn’t even know if it was gunfire or just fireworks,” shared Grindl Bose, a retired teacher and party organizer.
Another mother expressed her concerns about safety, stating she was contemplating leaving the Bronx.
“I worry for my kids,” said the anonymous mother of three. “Sometimes, I really regret moving here.”
This recent wave of gun violence comes in the wake of Mayor Adams deploying an additional 1,000 officers to the borough. He also pushed for a summit with gang members at Gracie Mansion following the surge of shootings dubbed “Boogie Down.”
The mayor’s summit proposal followed a tragic shootout on August 23 at a basketball tournament, which resulted in the death of a 32-year-old man and injuries to four others, including a 17-year-old girl who suffered life-threatening injuries from a stray bullet.
Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, have faced serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and gang activity related to the incident.
Daeven Reyes, 20, and Robert Royal, 25, are also facing charges related to murder and attempted murder tied to the basketball tournament shootings, with Reyes receiving additional charges for gang assault, as reported by the police.
Speaking at a press conference, Mayor Adams highlighted the necessity of a multifaceted approach to the violence. “When gunfire erupts due to gang conflicts, it’s a serious concern for everyone, and we recognize that addressing this issue goes beyond just policing,” he noted.
Critics, including mayoral candidate Curtis Swawa, have been vocal about the summit initiative. “He wants to engage with gang members, but it feels like he’s lost touch with reality,” Swawa stated during a press conference outside Mayor Adams’s residence.
No specific dates have been announced yet for the gang summit, according to the mayor’s spokesperson.
While overall shootings and murders have decreased citywide by nearly 20%, the Bronx’s District 47 has experienced a staggering 53% increase in shootings this year, especially around the time of the basketball tournament.
Additionally, the NYPD plans to deploy a significant number of officers during the upcoming J’Ouvert Festival in Brooklyn, which occurs the night before the annual West India Day Parade, a time often marred by incidents of gun violence.
